Episode 84: Truly a Happy Slam

Hold On to Your Racket with Josefina Gurevich and Shravya Pant

Happy Slam by name, Happy Slam in truth – what a magical Australian Open! We sit down several timezones away from Melbourne to discuss the magic of Rafa’s win, the everlasting Barty Party, and celebrate Dylan Alcott’s trailblazing career. We discuss GOAT debates and Rafa’s undying competitive fire, love for the game, and heartwarming show of emotions on court after proving his own modest expectations wrong with his historic championship victory. With that comes a look into Daniil Medvedev’s saddening post-match press conference and a discussion of his behavior and identity on court, as well as a shoutout to some notable semifinalists and Hugo Boss model. A discussion of the women’s tournament delves into Ash Barty’s cool, calm, and collected run to becoming the first Australian since 1978 to take the title and how her strong serving led her there. Queen DanYELL is certainly not unforgotten as we express our appreciation for her fighting spirit, college tennis representation, comeback from endometriosis, and outspokenness about the societal taboos around women’s health issues. With queens like Ash and Collins, tried and true favorites like Rafa and Medvedev, and the legend that is Dylan Alcott defining this fortnight, it’s all happiness at this slam, so tune in for a well deserved celebration of this year’s Australian Open.